The Pathogenesis and Natural History of Sjogren s Syndrome

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-Sjogren s syndrome is a disease that affects about 1-4 million Americans. It is more common in women. It mainly affects the glands that produce saliva and tears, leading to dry eyes and dry mouth. The cause of Sjogren s syndrome is unknown, but inflammation plays an important role. The purpose of this study is to learn more about Sjogren s syndrome.

Objectives:

-To better understand how Sjogren s syndrome begins and how it affects patients so that we can develop better ways to treat them.

Eligibility:

Participants must be 16 years of age or older.

They must have a diagnosis of Sjogren s syndrome or have at least two symptoms of Sjogren s syndrome.

Design:

People taking part in the study will come to the NIH Clinical Center for at least three visits.

During these visits, participants will have a medical history and physical exam. They will have oral and dental assessments, and saliva collection. Lab tests (blood and urine) and dry eye exams will be done. Participants will answer questionnaires and have salivary scintigraphy (adults only unless required for diagnosis).

Other optional tests may also be done. Participants may have to come in for additional visits if they have these optional tests or if their disease changes.

The only treatment provided as part of this study is for medical emergencies or complications that occur while you are at NIH for evaluation.

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Excluded from the EA criteria because of a comorbid condition but otherwise fulfilling the European-American classification criteria (EA excluded SS group)

Incomplete SS

i. at least 2 of the EA criteria with a common manifestation of SS not included in these criteria (e.g., fatigue, vasculitis, arthritis, etc)

ii. 2 or more common manifestations of SS which are not included in the EA criteria (e.g.,: fatigue, vasculitis, arthritis, autonomic dysfunction, etc ) and are not explained by other conditions

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Age <16 years

inability or unwillingness to comply with follow up requirements

Any medical or psychological/psychiatric condition or treatment that, in the opinion of the Principal Investigator, would exclude the subjects from the research studies (e.g., alternative explanation for subjects signs and symptoms)

NIH employees who report directly to the principal investigator or who are a co-worker or relative of the principal investigator..